Johnson County’s Micro Transit and RideKC were just awarded one of the highest awards a transit agency can receive.

Friday, July 15, the American Public Transportation Association announced RideKC won the outstanding public transportation system achievement award for more than four million, but fewer than 20 million trips. RideKC was one of nine organizations and leaders awarded for its vision, leadership and commitment to public transportation.

“Johnson County Transit is pleased to accept this recognition in concert with our regional RideKC partners,” said Josh Powers, director of the county’s transit division. “Our micro transit service has been an important part of our transit system since 2019, and with our new mobile app and the recent expansion of the micro transit service area authorized by the Board of County Commissioners, we look forward to improving access to transit service for our residents and the RideKC region.”

The award recognized all partner jurisdictions, but Johnson County’s Micro Transit service and Kansas City Area Transportation Authorities efforts regarding zero-fare and how it has impacted the national discussion around fares are named as two of the reasons for the award recognition.

The 2022 APTA Awards recognize organizations and leaders in the public transportation industry in North America that have demonstrated significant leadership, are outstanding role models of excellence and whose accomplishments and innovations have greatly advanced public transportation.

Last November, the BOCC authorized $15.2 million in new transit pilot programs, funded with Federal Transit Administration COVID relief grants, which represents the largest single investment in transit in Johnson County’s history.

In summarizing KCATA’s accomplishments, APTA says few public transit agencies in the U.S. have made the commitment that KCATA has made to breaking down barriers in new mobility services. Its groundbreaking initiatives have resulted in a national dialogue around the impacts of fare policy.

The agency has piloted innovative mobility solutions and benchmarked results and shared those learnings with the industry so that others may benefit both from its successes and its challenges.

Read more about KCATA’s award recognition and see a list of other award recipients.